Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the NFL Honors on Thursday (08.02.24)

In his speech, Harry praised the NFL's players as "role models" before handing the award to Heyward. He told the star-studded audience: "All you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable.

"You are role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and the way you give back. This final award - the highest honour - is all about serving your community.

"And there's one special man we'd like to pay tribute to now. A player who goes above and beyond and whose extraordinary commitment to helping others is a reflection of his own story."

Heyward accepted the prize from the prince and admitted he felt shocked to be given an award by a member of the royal family. He said: "Man, Prince freaking Harry. Man, I'm in shock. That's Prince Harry."

Harry flew from the US to London on Tuesday (06.02.24) for a brief meeting with King Charles, 75, just a day after it was revealed the monarch is to undergo treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

The duke's meeting with Charles - who underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate in January - is said to have taken place at royal residence Clarence House in London and lasted less than an hour.

It was understood to be their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months. Harry's wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 42, stayed at their mansion in California to look after their children Prince Archie, four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Harry was spotted getting on a plane at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday (07.02.24) for the return journey back to California.

The prince scheduled a quick trip to the UK after Buckingham Palace's announcement on Monday stated Charles had been diagnosed with cancer.

The palace said in a statement: "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."